Review ~ Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Title: Take Me On

Author: Katie McGarry

Series: Pushing the Limits #4

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Published: June 1st 2014 by Harlequin TEEN (first published May 27th 2014)

Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means.

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her-fighting for her-is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

Buy Now - Amazon / Harlequin Aus

Every time I pick up one of the books in the Pushing the Limits series, I fall for both of the main characters in the story. It is no exception to Take Me On either; I have been keen to get my hands on West’s book since I found out he was next. I wanted to know more about the dark sheep in the Young family and why he seemed to get himself in trouble and fights.

West has been taking Rachel’s accident personally and would do anything to change what happened. His last encounter with her was horrible and he can’t forgive himself. The whole incident has put a huge strain on the family and tempers flare more than usual. His mother’s secrets put him in a bad part of town and that is how he crosses paths with Haley. She has her own share of family problems and secrets that have turned her life upside down. Her secrets have caused her to retreat into herself and give up the one thing she loved, kickboxing.

I loved watching these two emotionally broken people grow and find comfort in one another. They have so much in common and slowly the walls crumble and they let each other in. It was fun to see Haley train West for an upcoming fight he landed himself in and the commitment West showed to his training was fabulous. The twists that were thrown in along the way had my jaw hitting the floor and it was amazing to see West work through these hard times.

Katie McGarry, once again, has delivered a fabulous and touching story. The characters come from difficult family lives and are thrust into difficult situations. They find comfort and support from strangers that they have never found from anyone else. It was great to see Rachel and Isaiah again, seeing her progress and how strong their relationship still is. I also liked seeing Abby in this story; she is one girl I would like to see more of. I love the way Katie tells a story; she pulled me in emotionally and I found myself attached to the characters. The next book in the series, Breaking the Rules (Pushing the Limits #1.5), is another Echo and Noah book due out at the end of the year.

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Other posts related to Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits Series
Review ~ Pushing the Limits #1

Review ~ Dare You To #2
Review ~ Crash Into You #3